The History of the Future— or What Should We Do Now?

The merchant was new in the valley and had built two sheds to collect firewood for sale in the winter. Since he was new in the area, he had no idea how cold the winter would be. So he sent his apprentice up the mountain to talk to the hermit, who knew a lot about nature. The apprentice came back all fired up: "Boss, the hermit says the winter will be very cold!" "Good," thought the merchant. "Let us build another shed." After filling up the new shed, the merchant sent his apprentice up again to make sure he was adequately prepared. The apprentice came back even more excited than the first time: "Boss, the hermit says the winter will be very, very cold!" Up went another shed. And it was filled even faster. This time the merchant was so impatient he decided to go himself to talk to the hermit. "Hermit! What will the winter be like?" Without a word, the hermit went to a ledge overlooking the valley. After a long look he turned and said, "Coming winter, worst Fve ever seen!" "But how do you know?" "Easy. Men in valley gather much wood."